Sapa is the premier hill station in northern Vietnam and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
NIGHT 1: HANOI – NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI
Meal: not any | Accommodation: Night train – sleeper cabin (sharing)
20:00 – We depart from our office or from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai (4-berth sleeper cabin with air conditioning)
DAY 1 LAO CAI – SAPA TREKKING
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Chau Long hotel – Superior
Around 6:30 AM – Arrive in Lao Cai and be transferred by shuttle bus to Sapa. The bus ride uphill to Sapa takes a little over an hour giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces.
On arrival, you will stop by our office, meet your tour guide and leave your luggage and take a shower in our partner’s hotel if you would like.
8:00 – You will enjoy a full buffet breakfast at Chau Long hotel.
9:00 – Start trekking from Sapa to Ta Phin valley. We start from Sapa and walk through the town for about 20 minutes before turning to a dirt road to Ma Tra, a black H’mong village. The trekking route offers a breathtaking view of vegetable gardens and rice terraces with green mountains rising above. There will be time for visiting with local families and learning about their traditional fiber processing. We continue trekking to Ta Phin village of the Red Dzao, in one of the most scenic valleys in Vietnam. Here we’ll stop for a simple lunch before exploring the village.
15:00 – Return to Sapa by private vehicle to check in to your hotel. You’re free to explore the town, its market and sloping streets with all the colorful handicrafts.
Hiking distance: ~ 15km | 4-5h
Tip : With your free time, you can go up to Ham Rong peak where you will be able to experience a great view over the town of Sapa. This is a great chance for some unforgettable photos! This is only recommended for a good weather afternoon (Entrance fee is not included).
DAY 2 SAPA TREKKING – HANOI
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: not included
8:00 – pick up from your hotel, we then start trekking from Sapa town to Golden Stream valley. The trek offers some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens and Fan Si Pan mountain range. After crossing a suspension bridge, we will hike up to Lao Chai San village and continue to Lao Chai village for lunch. After lunch, we will explore the villages of Lao Chai (Black H’mong) and Ta Van (Dzay). This trek is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended.
After visiting a family of the village, we walk to the main road to meet up with our driver and return to Sapa town. Shower is available at our partner’s hotel. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore the town, its market and sloping streets with many colorful handicrafts.
OPT1: 15:30 – Meet the guide at our office in Sa Pa. A car takes you to the bus station.
16:00 – Comfortable shuttle bus departs from Sapa to Hanoi. Enjoy beautiful views driving along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The bus is equipped with large individual seats, A/C and wifi. There’re 2 stops on the way and dinner is at your own cost.
22:00 – Arrival in Hanoi center. The transfer from there to your hotel is not included.
OPT2: Free time in Sa Pa after trekking tour and meet up guide at our office in Sa Pa at 5.00 PM then going down to Lao Cai by bus to catch the night train back to Ha Noi. Arrives back in Ha Noi at 5.00 Am the the following morning.
PRICE PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
Price for DAILY PRIVATE TOUR
Group size | Solo trip | Group of 2 |
Price per person | USD 295 | USD 195 |
Single supplement | – | USD 32 |
Single supplement applies for those who travel with others but requires a single room for her/himself
* Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at info@vietlinktravel.com.vn
INCLUDED
- Hotel in Sapa
- Meals as specified in the program
- Transfer on the 1st day from Handspan office to the railway station
- Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai in air conditioned, 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin
- Bus ticket Sapa – Hanoi in comfortable, safe, air-conditioned shuttle bus
- Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned support vehicle with an experienced driver
- The services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- VAT and other taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel in Hanoi
- Presence of the tour guide on the train
- Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Camera fees (if any)
- Insurance
- Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)